Take a step inside the new Picton High School

THE first steps towards a new and improved Picton High School are in the works after preliminary plans for the redevelopment went on public exhibition earlier this month.

The first plans for a new and improved Picton High School are now available.

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THE first steps towards a new and improved Picton High School are in the works after preliminary plans for the redevelopment went on public exhibition earlier this month.

The NSW Education Department has submitted its State Significant Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Planning Department.

The project was allocated $100 million by the State Government last year, with construction expected to begin in 2019 and a planned completion date of 2022.

The redevelopment of Picton High School will begin next year.

According to a draft masterplan report for the redevelopment submitted as part of the EIS, several of the existing school buildings, built prior to 1960, will be demolished to make way for a two- to three-storey building which will run down the centre of the school site.

The reports states about 60 per cent of the school’s buildings would be replaced by the new building, with remaining structures to be connected.

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The redevelopment will also incorporate the reconfiguration of a new public entry and arrival forecourt, major site infrastructure upgrades and improved outdoor amenity across two thirds of the site,” the report states.

The plans will transform the way children are taught at the school.

“The large connected learning community complex will accommodate all administration and student services facilities, all stage related learning hubs, specialist learning facilities, library and support facilities.

“This singular building approach will enable well connected and engaged learning opportunities for students working across disciplines in a more collaborative learning environment.”

A refurbished school hall and new fitness and performance complex also have been proposed for shared use with the community.

The report also identifies improvements needed for access to the school, identifying a need for better pedestrian links.

Improvements for pedestrian access and traffic safety have been proposed.

“The front entry onto campus has major issues as all vehicular traffic enter through the same point at the northwestern corner of the site creating congestion during peak pick-up and drop-off periods. The main issue being a lack of prioritisation to pedestrian movement.

“There is no safe pedestrian path link off Argyle street onto the campus forcing pedestrians to walk across sections of road where cars, buses and delivery trucks frequently move.”

“A solution to these challenges is currently being investigated with relevant authority groups.”

Wollondilly Council is preparing a formal submission on the development calling for additional items to be included in future plans.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2022.

Cr Michael Banasik said it was important adequate parking was provided at the school and upgrades were provided to surrounding footpaths.

“We need to make sure we get the crossing which really is needed now,” he said.

Cr Simon Landow said council should advocate for an upgrade to the Wonga Rd and Argyle St intersection.

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“We could have hundreds of people coming out of that intersection a day, something has to happen there,” he said.

“You can’t turn right now... the upgrade is needed.”

The State Significant Development Application and EIS is currently on public exhibition until June 8.

The plans can be viewed here.